A Preoperative Educational Video Improves Patient Satisfaction and Perceived Knowledge, but Not Patient Understanding for Total Shoulder Arthroplasty: A Randomized, Surgeon-Blinded Study

Abstract

Background The complexity of total joint arthroplasty warrants significant patient counseling, and some surgeons are utilizing multimedia to aid in preoperative education. Our aim was to assess the effect of an educational video on patient understanding and satisfaction when supplementing a traditional office consultation for total shoulder arthroplasty. Methods This study was a surgeon-blinded, randomized control trial involving 60 consecutive patients undergoing primary total shoulder arthroplasty. Following a preoperative consultation by a single surgeon, patients were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to either a control or treatment group. All participants received a 9-question true-or-false test pertaining to basic shoulder arthroplasty knowledge. The treatment group subsequently viewed a 13-minute educational video explaining glenohumeral osteoarthritis, surgery, and postoperative expectations. At a second preoperative appointment, participants of both groups were asked to repeat the same test. Results Fifty-two patients were available for the second preoperative appointment. There was no difference in test scores between the video (7.84/9) and no video (7.89/9) groups ( P = .75). All patients in the video group reported improved satisfaction and understanding. Conclusion Patients who watched an educational video supplementing a preoperative consultation for shoulder arthroplasty reported improved satisfaction but did not demonstrate increased understanding compared to those receiving a standard preoperative consultation.